Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra
Common Names: Elephant Bush, Elephant’s Food, Spekboom
Portulacaria afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush or Spekboom, is a resilient, carbon-sequestering succulent valued for its small, glossy green leaves and woody, branching form. Native to the dry, rocky scrublands of South Africa, this species is naturally adapted to arid conditions and poor soils. In the wild, it grows as a soft-wooded shrub or small tree reaching 8–20 feet tall with a broad spread, while in cultivation it typically remains 2–4 feet tall indoors or in containers, making it an excellent choice for houseplants, bonsai-style training, or warm-climate landscapes. SOLD AS A ROOTED CUTTING, 5-10 INCHES LONG.
Care and Cultivation:
Bright light to full sun for best growth
Well-draining cactus or succulent soil
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings
Low maintenance and easy to grow
Frost Tolerance and Cold Hardiness:
Hardy in USDA zones 9–11
Tolerates light frost once established
Root hardy to approximately 25°F (-3.9°C)
Extended cold or temperatures near 20°F may cause severe damage or dieback
Winter Dormancy and Health:
Enters dormant or semi-dormant state in winter
Growth slows significantly
Reduce watering drastically or stop entirely during cool months
Keeping soil dry in winter helps prevent root rot
Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra
Common Names: Elephant Bush, Elephant’s Food, Spekboom
Portulacaria afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush or Spekboom, is a resilient, carbon-sequestering succulent valued for its small, glossy green leaves and woody, branching form. Native to the dry, rocky scrublands of South Africa, this species is naturally adapted to arid conditions and poor soils. In the wild, it grows as a soft-wooded shrub or small tree reaching 8–20 feet tall with a broad spread, while in cultivation it typically remains 2–4 feet tall indoors or in containers, making it an excellent choice for houseplants, bonsai-style training, or warm-climate landscapes. SOLD AS A ROOTED CUTTING, 5-10 INCHES LONG.
Care and Cultivation:
Bright light to full sun for best growth
Well-draining cactus or succulent soil
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings
Low maintenance and easy to grow
Frost Tolerance and Cold Hardiness:
Hardy in USDA zones 9–11
Tolerates light frost once established
Root hardy to approximately 25°F (-3.9°C)
Extended cold or temperatures near 20°F may cause severe damage or dieback
Winter Dormancy and Health:
Enters dormant or semi-dormant state in winter
Growth slows significantly
Reduce watering drastically or stop entirely during cool months
Keeping soil dry in winter helps prevent root rot
